The campaign Facebook page said that Australian Muslim women "have been physically attacked, had their scarves ripped of their heads, had coffee hurled at them and have had their cars vandalised and spray painted with profanities.

"To counter these anti-Muslim sentiments, Aussie women all around the country as a gesture of goodwill have posted photos of themselves on social media, donning the hijab."

According to critics, the campaign will not lead to any real change, and could be labelled "clicktivism" or "slacktivism".

However, according to psychologist Jocelyn Brewer, who specialises in social media, society and behaviour, WISH is different because "it is a bit more action based [than other campaigns]", she told news.com.au.

"It requires women to take a bunch of steps and it's much more personal that just liking or sharing something pre-existing."

The victim was grabbed by another woman who hurled abusive and racist remarks and forced her head into the carriage several times.

The campaign also follows the statement of Prime Minister Tony Abbott's most senior adviser, Peta Credlin, who said she approves a ban on the burqa - a garment which covers the entire body, used by some Muslim women in public - on security grounds. A discussion about the prospect of a ban of was held last week.

Referring to the ban, Abbott said he finds the burqa "a fairly confronting form of attire and frankly I wish it weren't worn."

However, he added: "We are a free country, we are a free society, and it's not the business of government to tell people what they should and shouldn't wear."